The associate professor of sport management served as a guest editor for the scholarly, peer-reviewed publication of the NIRSA Foundation.
Cara Lucia, associate professor of sport management, recently published a special issue of the Recreational Sports Journal, dedicated to exploring justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (JDEI) in recreational sports and higher education. Released on Oct. 18, the edition offers a thought-provoking collection of research and perspectives designed to drive inclusivity and create more welcoming environments in collegiate recreation and beyond. Through innovative studies and impactful insights, the issue aims to reshape how institutions approach and prioritize diversity and equity within campus life.
A key contribution to the special edition is a collaborative article coauthored by Lucia, titled “Centering Belonging for NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation.” Partnering with Victoria Lopez-Herrera, senior associate director at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and Hannah Stewart, formerly of the University of Tennessee, Lucia presents crucial insights for recreational sports leaders, offering strategies to foster belonging initiatives rooted in justice, diversity, equity, inclusion and respect. The article’s findings draw from an extensive climate study, emphasizing the crucial role of inclusivity and belonging in shaping JDEI practices within professional associations.
In their journal article, the coauthors emphasize the shared responsibility among leaders and members to prioritize belonging within their organizations, aiming to cultivate environments that enhance the overall health of their organizations where all can thrive. By implementing these insights, association leaders can empower their members to drive similar initiatives on their respective campuses, creating a ripple effect of positive change in recreational sports and other industry segments.
The special issue, co-edited by Lucia and colleagues Austin Anderson of Indiana University, Eric Knee of Adelphi University, and Augustus Hallmon of James Madison University, marks a significant advancement in promoting JDEI principles in recreational sports, providing a framework for creating inclusive and supportive environments in higher education and beyond.
About NIRSA
With a membership of more than 4,500 individuals, NIRSA – Leaders in Collegiate Recreation offers professional development, educational workshops and networking opportunities to those active in the collegiate recreation profession.
As college and university students develop into future leaders, NIRSA members support their learning and growth by fostering lifelong habits of wellbeing. Leadership, teamwork, dedication and respect are among the many skills exercised by inclusive competition, fitness and recreation. Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA membership has grown to serve an estimated 8.1 million students.
The Recreational Sports Journal is the scholarly, peer-reviewed publication of the NIRSA Foundation. Its purpose is to provide a source of empirical, theoretical, and applied research to the field of recreational sports. Topics include student development, programming, and organizational development.